What is calibration?

Each of our computer monitors, despite brand, model and type can all individually display color differently. Calibrating your monitor is all about getting that color the way that you want it to be. Most computer monitors are actually calibrated by the company for ideal colors and viewing assuming you’re sitting in a cubicle somewhere punching numbers. For someone who is a photographer we definitely want our colors to be accurate. Hey, when you’re spending loads of money on a camera you definitely don’t want your computer calibration to ruin your gorgeous photos.

How do you calibrate your monitor?

Photoshop has a built-in option to calibrate your monitor as I understand, but seeing as how I am not a photoshop expert I don’t have a lot of information on how to do it through there. However, what I do understand is that it’s not the most accurate or best option. That’s why I decided to go with another software when it was recommended to me and I’ve been very pleased with it!

There are also other external tools, like a Spyder, which can give you accurate results and allow you to calibrate on a regular basis. This is the brand that I use and recommend. You can check out the different models >here<  and you may be able to find them on Amazon for a little cheaper. The Spyder calibration tools are easy to use and have instructions that will walk you through the entire process. They aren’t cheap, but they are an investment that I feel will help ensure your images will be processed with the most accurate color possible.

How often should you calibrate your monitor?

The Spyder software defaults to have you reset and recalibrate your monitor every 30 days. Even if it might not be necessary, it does ensure that your computer is on top of it all. It can recalibrate in the background, takes about 10 minutes, and you can go on with your work while it works for you.

Your computer monitor can have a natural ‘wear’ to it and the color can change over time. Some places I’ve seen recommend calibrating every week up to several months. I think every 30 days is a good medium.

Awesomesauce Store – Become a Member – Carrie Swails Photography

You guys have been asking me a lot for online workshops and even in-person workshops. I’m still working on the details of possibly doing in-person workshops, but I’m introducing the start of some extended online workshops! The spots for these will be very limited (only 10 at a time)!

>Register<

Was it my husband’s gym shorts? Being 6’4 his gym shorts drown my 5’3 frame. Was it the awesome custom tshirt with the camera and the butterfly on it? In combination with the signs on my car it screamed ‘photographer.’

We walked past each other. She’s pushing her cart noisily through the parking lot and I’m walking quickly in my Chaco sandals (hello Colorado!) carrying my wallet inside. All I need to grab is some chicken for dinner and then I can run back to my car and head home.

Working from home a lot is my enabler. My purple couch with my 3 dogs lounging on it calls to me, ‘just be comfortable’ and so I throw my hair into a messy bun and put on some sort of workout clothes that most likely belong to my husband. When I need to be up and run an errand, what’s the point of changing? Am I really going to put on makeup and business attire to go to the grocery store?

The TV parked in front of the purple couch with the 3 lazy dogs on it mocks me while I edit my photos. What Not to Wear is On and I sneak peeks and listen in while I’m working. They are right she should sooooo not be wearing that. The fly on the wall notes that I’m the biggest hypocrite ever.

As DJ Dave points out, it really is getting real in the Whole Foods Parking lot. I’m throwing away good opportunities for business. Just imagine the difference between an adult with the face of a 14 year old getting out of a business vehicle dressed to impress vs. the description above who looks like I may just be heading back from cheerleading practice and have a learner’s permit.

I took a step today to keep it real next time I’m in the Whole Foods Parking lot (with the little shopping carts they got), I emptied my closet. I tossed out all the jeans from high school I’m never going to fit in again, threw away all the shirts held together with safety pins or with holes I try to hide while I work.

What’s left is 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of capris, a few summer dresses, 2 summer shirts, and 5 winter shirts. Don’t get me started on shoes. I’m the daughter of a forest service employee and I live in Colorado. All my nice shoes are from REI.

Stacy and Clinton would be proud. I’m going shopping today for an entire new wardrobe. In order to have those silly car signs and pass out business cards proudly I need to look like a real business owner.

Wish me luck.

Carrie Swails Photography

As always, feel free to ask me a question. Photography classes starting in July are filling up fast! Make sure you’re signed up for the ones you want to join in on. These classes are live online, but can also be purchased and watched later if you can’t be there at the live time. Each class has very limited seats and they’re filling up!

Carrie Swails Photography

2. The word photography is derived from two Greek words, “phōs” which means “light,” and “gráphein” which means “to write.” That would mean that as photographers all of us ‘write light.’

3. Louis Daguerre made a couple very important contributions to photography. He created images using silver on a copper plate he would coat them with silver iodide and then develop them with warmed mercury using the fumes. He called this the daguerrotype and it was patented in France and made available to the public.

4. During the Industrial Revolution photography created through the daguerrotype process with many others adding and refining it was pushed quite a bit into development. The cost of getting oil paintings done in order to have a portrait of yourself was quite high and photography was not only a new technique, but required less time to create.

5. In 1888 Kodak produced its first camera that contained a huge roll of paper over 20 feet long. This camera could produce approximately 100 images.

6. In 1900 the Kodak Brownie camera was produced and it was the first ‘snapshot’ style camera for the general public.

7. In 1917 Nippon Kogaku K.K. was created in Japan and this company would become Nikon in the future.

8. In 1924 the mass marked Leica 35mm camera was introduced.

9. The first commercial ‘flashbulb’ was patented in 1930, and was invented by Vierkotter.

10. In 1934 Fuji was created.

11. Canon produced its first commercial camera in 1936 called the ‘Hansa Canon.’

12. The first commercial color photographs and film were produced in the early 1940s.

13. Canon’s original company name was Kwanon.

14. Polaroid first started selling instant film in 1948

15. In 1963 the first instant color film was produced by Polaroid.

16. Fuji introduced the disposable camera in 1986.

17. The Canon EOS system was introduced in 1987.

18. The first camera phone was introduced in Japan in the year 2000 by Sharp

19. In 2001 Polaroid went bankrupt.

20. In 2004 Kodak ceased production of film cameras.

As always feel free to ask me a question!

Classes for July and August are filling up quick and spots are limited. Many of you have expressed interest in taking these classes, they’re only $15 each! Sign up before all the spots are taken! These classes are all live online courses and can be done from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection.

If you need help keeping your photography business organized check out the organizing packet. If you are just starting out your business check out the packet that will help you with everything you need to start a photography business. There are also posing guides and how to ebooks in the shop that are excellent tools for beginning photographers!

Carrie Swails Photography

P.S. Another marketing class for those who missed it!

Check out the online classes. There are also a few free ones (1 every month), the first free one will be this coming Monday, June 4th so make sure you’re signed up to attend!

http://carrieswailsphotography.com

And for extra measure. 21. Figure out your legal stuff early on.

If you need help formulating goals to make your business a success check out my guide to creating a business plan. If you need help making your business legit and figuring out taxes, registrations and other legal mumbo jumbo make sure you check out the Make Your Business Legit guide.

As always feel free to ask me a question or ask for help.

Are you signed up for Monday night’s free online webinar about photography business?

http://carrieswailsphotography.com